Description:
Thermoset rubber compounds are widely used across many different applications. While based on polymers, these materials behave quite differently than either thermoplastics or thermoset plastics. In this presentation the fundamentals of basic rubber technology will be reviewed, particularly in light of the differences with plastics. The presentation will include: A foundation of the physical behavior of rubber materials. The compounding of rubber materials. The role of polymers, plasticizers, fillers, and other ingredients is presented. Analytical techniques used in the deformulation of rubber compounds. An overview of both the mixing and molding processes.